Thousands of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will descend on D.C. this weekend to celebrate the sorority's centennial.

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They appeared by the hundreds on Good Morning America and other New York morning shows. When their bus caravan arrived back in D.C. Thursday evening, the long trip seemed well worth it.

The sorority's National President Cynthia Butler-McIntyre exclaimed, "Wonderful, outstanding, once in a lifetime - 100 years what can I say."

Throughout the weekend, some 12,000 sorors will celebrate Delta Sigma Theta's centennial at the Washington Convention Center. The sorority's 22 founders established the first chapter on Jan. 13, 1913 at Howard University.

Bridget Wallace of Atlanta said, "Just to be here with my sisters and hear  our national president speak and see what 22 women started 100 years ago...really awesome."

Some members in attendance have been in the sorority for more than 60 years, others a matter of months. 

"To see their bond transcend time and distances was a beautiful thing, and that was definitely something I wanted in my life," member Maronel Stewart added.

Their colors - red and white - can be seen all over the convention center. In the Exhibit Hall, hats, purses and other items all boast crimson and cream.

The organizations philanthropic efforts include scholarships, feeding the hungry and other social services.

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray also visited to the convention center Thursday to welcome the group to the city.